President Trump demands states ‘undo’ full SNAP payouts, states warn of ‘catastrophic impact’
President Donald Trump’s administration is demanding that states “undo” full SNAP benefits paid out under judges’ orders last week, now that the U.S. Supreme Court has stayed those rulings. This marks the latest development in the ongoing legal battle over the anti-hunger program, which serves 42 million Americans.
The demand from the U.S. Department of Agriculture comes as more than two dozen states warn of “catastrophic operational disruptions” if the Trump administration does not reimburse them for the SNAP benefits they authorized before the Supreme Court’s stay.
Nonprofits and Democratic attorneys general sued to force the Trump administration to maintain the program in November. They won favorable rulings last week, leading to the swift release of benefits to millions in several states.
### Treasury Freezes Reimbursements After Initial SNAP Payments
However, even before winning a stay on those rulings through an appeal to the Supreme Court on Friday night, the Trump administration hesitated to reimburse states for the initial round of SNAP payments.
For example, Wisconsin loaded benefits onto cards for 700,000 residents, but after the U.S. Treasury froze reimbursements, the state anticipates running out of funds by Monday. Democratic Governor Tony Evers’ administration warned of the potential consequences in a lengthy statement on Sunday.
The lack of money could leave vendors unpaid and trigger escalating legal claims, the states warned. According to a filing at the 1st Circuit Court of Appeals, “States could face demands to return hundreds of millions of dollars in the aggregate.” The filing adds that this could lead to “catastrophic operational disruptions for the States, with a consequent cascade of harms for their residents.”
### USDA Declares Payments “Unauthorized” and Orders Reversal
On Saturday, the Department of Agriculture informed states it would now consider any payments made last week for full SNAP benefits as “unauthorized.”
Patrick Penn, deputy undersecretary of Agriculture, wrote to state SNAP directors, “To the extent States sent full SNAP payment files for November 2025, this was unauthorized. Accordingly, States must immediately undo any steps taken to issue full SNAP benefits for November 2025.”
### Wisconsin Governor Pushes Back Against Administration’s Demand
Governor Evers issued a quick response rejecting the Trump administration’s demand.
“No,” the governor said in a statement. “Pursuant to and consistent with an active court order, Wisconsin legally loaded benefits to cards, ensuring nearly 700,000 Wisconsinites, including nearly 270,000 children, had access to basic food and groceries.”
“After we did so, the Trump Administration assured Wisconsin and other states that they were actively working to implement full SNAP benefits for November and would ‘complete the processes necessary to make funds available.’ They have failed to do so to date,” Evers added.
### Resources for Those Facing Food Insecurity
If you are dealing with food insecurity or want to help those in need, the Arizona Food Bank Network website offers a database of food banks, pantries, and soup kitchens that serve people in need and accept donations.
Additionally, donations can be made easily by texting “food” to 620620.
—
This ongoing legal and administrative battle over SNAP benefits continues to affect millions of Americans who rely on the program to put food on the table. Stay informed and consider supporting local food assistance organizations if you are able.
https://ktar.com/arizona-news/president-trump-undo-snap-payouts/5773345/
You may also like
Leave a Reply